Relational aggression in an Australian sample: Gender and age differences

Relational aggression is a form of aggression in which individuals use relationships as a source of control and a means by which to inflict harm on others. The present research investigated this form of aggression in 363 children from both primary and high schools (157 third and fourth graders, 207 ninth and 10th graders). Participants were classified as relationally aggressive, overtly aggressive, relationally plus overtly aggressive, or non-aggressive on the basis of a peer nomination instrument. A hypothetical situation instrument that assessed attributions of intent and feelings of distress for ambiguous situations was also completed. Gender and age differences in the expression of relational and overt aggression were observed. In contrast with previous research (Crick, 1995), relationally aggressive children did not display a hostile attribution bias or report more upset feelings specific to relational hypothetical situations. Implications for the social information processing model of aggression and future studies of relational aggression are discussed.